Exocet
Knows what a fatty is.
Okay, that's just a made up number 
. Anyway, here's my contribution to the madness!
I was bit by the UDS bug over the July 4th weekend. Being the engineer type, I couldn't keep it too simple. Started off with a 55 gal barrel that was previously used for coconut oil. Got a used Weber 22.5 inch kettle grill off CL to donate a lid and one grilling rack. Too many trips to various HW stores for stuff.
So, first thing was to strip the bottom of the barrel, drill holes for caster wheels and prime and paint. The wheels were the single stud variety, so I had to strip the zinc plating off the studs before installing. Here they are installed.
Next, I cleaned out the inside of the Weber lid. Three cans of Easy-Off later, it was clean. Now, I can apply my own gunk!
The basket is #9 expanded steel welded to a Weber charcoal grate. The ash pan is an 18" aluminum pizza pan.
I used single track shelf standards to provide adjustable rack heights. Had to strip the powder coating off of them and the shelf brackets. That was a pain. They are attached with SS screws and acorn nuts.
Here's everything stripped down and ready to paint. I riveted a piece of aluminum to the inside top to create a lip for the lid to rest on.
Here's one of the three handles that I made. I'm not a metal bender by any means. But they turned out decent with just a vise, hammer, angle grinder, and bench grinder. The curve isn't quite right, but close enough. I finished them with a baked enamel finish.
So, here's the almost finished product. The bracket is for a folding shelf that's still under construction.
Here's the other side.
One more shot from the side.
Some handle and vent detail.
Gotta have a bottle opener!
A lid close up.
I made a port for the thermometer with a small brass fitting I drilled out.
Here's the inside of the thermometer port.
Still need to finish the shelf, which is made of maple. Still working on some artwork for the side. I might also add some more gold accents - maybe the barrel ribbing and intake pipe. But, for now it's functional. Just need to get it seasoned up next.
When I started this, I figured it was a $150 project. However, I probably have just over 2X that into it. That's not counting the gas spent driving all over getting the barrel and Weber grill. But, it was a fun project, so who's counting!
Anyway, I got case of Sam Adams Octoberfest in the fridge, so it's time to get smokin' !
. Anyway, here's my contribution to the madness!I was bit by the UDS bug over the July 4th weekend. Being the engineer type, I couldn't keep it too simple. Started off with a 55 gal barrel that was previously used for coconut oil. Got a used Weber 22.5 inch kettle grill off CL to donate a lid and one grilling rack. Too many trips to various HW stores for stuff.
So, first thing was to strip the bottom of the barrel, drill holes for caster wheels and prime and paint. The wheels were the single stud variety, so I had to strip the zinc plating off the studs before installing. Here they are installed.
Next, I cleaned out the inside of the Weber lid. Three cans of Easy-Off later, it was clean. Now, I can apply my own gunk!
The basket is #9 expanded steel welded to a Weber charcoal grate. The ash pan is an 18" aluminum pizza pan.
I used single track shelf standards to provide adjustable rack heights. Had to strip the powder coating off of them and the shelf brackets. That was a pain. They are attached with SS screws and acorn nuts.
Here's everything stripped down and ready to paint. I riveted a piece of aluminum to the inside top to create a lip for the lid to rest on.
Here's one of the three handles that I made. I'm not a metal bender by any means. But they turned out decent with just a vise, hammer, angle grinder, and bench grinder. The curve isn't quite right, but close enough. I finished them with a baked enamel finish.
So, here's the almost finished product. The bracket is for a folding shelf that's still under construction.
Here's the other side.
One more shot from the side.
Some handle and vent detail.
Gotta have a bottle opener!
A lid close up.
I made a port for the thermometer with a small brass fitting I drilled out.
Here's the inside of the thermometer port.
Still need to finish the shelf, which is made of maple. Still working on some artwork for the side. I might also add some more gold accents - maybe the barrel ribbing and intake pipe. But, for now it's functional. Just need to get it seasoned up next.
When I started this, I figured it was a $150 project. However, I probably have just over 2X that into it. That's not counting the gas spent driving all over getting the barrel and Weber grill. But, it was a fun project, so who's counting!
Anyway, I got case of Sam Adams Octoberfest in the fridge, so it's time to get smokin' !
